Roaster recommendations?

[Sailor Kenshin]

We ALWAYS say 'We need a roaster!' at this time of year, and we always think of it too late to get one in time for Thanksgiving. But there's still Christmas!

What I want is 18 quarts capacity...and the Nesco has been on my mind. But there's also Oster. Which one, which one?

(We've been searching thrift stores and yard sales for a vintage Nesco for years, with no luck.) This roaster will be new, bought online. Who has any experience with these? Which do you prefer?

Thanks, friends. And happy Thanksgiving, one and all.

[bondobill]

Can't help you out on those brands Sailor.
I've got a 18qt Hamilton Beach roaster oven. Had it close to 20 years I would guess. Don't use it very often but it's always works every time I plug it in.
Nesco seems to be very popular.

Bill

[OldUsedParts]

Sailor, are you basically wanting this for Turkeys or other things during the year
The reason I ask is that, altho I got the electric Butterball one, the Big Easy Propane Turkey/Etc Roaster seems to be the Rave and I've seen what Oakie and W.V. and others have done with it. WOW

OH, and a Super Happy Thanksgiving to my Lawn'Gyland Adoptees -- - be Safe and Happy Y'all

[GRailsback]

I have a Nesco, it is a nice roaster.

[Boots]

Only one experience to relate, about a year ago I bought my wife the big electric Cuisinart slow cooker / roaster that has the searing functioning in it. Lasted about one year and perform perfectly until one day it went completely teats up on us. Won't be buying another.

[woodenvisions]

Just my 2 ¢

About 80$,
Built very well,
Flawless, Versatile.
Perfect crisp skin every time.
Best Turkey and whole chicken I've EVER had. Never dries ur food.

Here's your solution GUARANTEED

[Sailor Kenshin]

WV, I know you love TBE, and you make awesome torture pics, I mean food, on yours, and we may still get one someday, but for this purchase we wanted something that could also do stews, chilis, and sides and well as bird...and work indoors.

[woodenvisions]

WV, I know you love TBE, and you make awesome torture pics, I mean food, on yours, and we may still get one someday, but for this purchase we wanted something that could also do stews, chilis, and sides and well as bird...and work indoors.

Ahh,I see lol :)

No no no for the kitchen lol

[OldUsedParts]

WV, I know you love TBE, and you make awesome torture pics, I mean food, on yours, and we may still get one someday, but for this purchase we wanted something that could also do stews, chilis, and sides and well as bird...and work indoors.

Ah Ha, as I surzpekt'd - - - oh well

[Sailor Kenshin]

The Nesco arrived last night, too late to do anything but unbox. Whoah, this thing is HUGE.

Burning it in today...outdoors in the cold and wind! Been two hours already. Still smells. Like burning paint.

When we went shopping earlier, I wanted some MEAT to test the thing. All turkeys were frozen solid. Chuck roasts were seven bucks a pound. Brisket? Nine, ten/lb, for teeny ones. And none of it looked too good.

Those giant chickens were about two-fitty a pound. Then we spotted pork loin, on sale, 2/lb, so guess what's going in there.


Update, with pics.

Giant roaster.




Giant roaster with raw pork and vejables.



Cooked food.



Flavor was awesome (SB TX Pecan), and we were literally guzzling the pan juices, but this may be too big for our use, and some enamel flaked off during the initial burn-in.

[CaptJack]

a few years back i ran into a 17qt at my local grocery store just before Thanksgiving
it was $40 but had a $20 coupon = $20
for that cheap i just couldn't walk away
it's a great "little" roaster

BUT.. i had been shopping roasters and had decided to go with a stainless 22qt HamiltonBeach if i was actually going to buy one
there have been a couple of times i wish i had the 22qt

[Professor Bunky]

We decided that the 18 Qt Nesco was just too big for us. The inner pan baredly fits in the sink for cleaning and as SK noted, some porecelain already chipped off it. So it's going back.

We're going to try the little 6 Qt Nesco for everyday cooking and just use big, covered roaster pans for the occasional turkey.

[CaptJack]

SK
as you know, i cook almost everything in my OldSmokey
but two years ago i bought a CampChef pellet cooker for doing briskets & butt
but... i'm not really into doing long brisket & butt cooks anymore
BUT.... if i am going to do a long brisket or butt cook i put it on the OldSmokey until it hits the stall at 160°IT
then i move it to the electric roaster on 275° until it finishes
i also have a Dorkfood temp controller for the roaster, to use it for Sous-vide
time to sell the pellet cooker

[Sailor Kenshin]

Great idea on the brisket, CJ. If we can find one that looks good at a reasonable price, I'd like to try that.